You are receiving this email because you are an FJMC Club Member, Individual Member, Club Officer, Regional Leader or Friend of the FJMC.

 

Quote of the Day

 

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."


— Martin Luther King Jr.

 

From the Office of the New York Metropolitan Region FJMC President

Hello Hal,


The focus of my term remains the outreach and support to not only our affiliated clubs, but to the myriad of other Men’s Clubs and Brotherhoods that are in the Reform, Reconstructing Judaism, and other denominational movements. By offering an opportunity for all men, regardless of race, orientation, or abilities, finds that there is

something for everyone in the FJMC - everyone is welcome with a voice.


My Executive Team has begun a “fact finding” mission fostering interactions between the Region and Clubs and between clubs themselves. We are promoting Inter-club programming hoping to expand our outreach and mission.


In keeping with this mandate, the NY Metro Region was proud to sponsor an exclusive showing of the documentary Exodus 91: The Untold Story of Operation Solomon, at Temple Emanu-El in NYC. Over 100 people in person and 500 on-line viewed the airlift of 14,000 Ethiopian Jews to Israel in May of 1991.


We were honored to have present, Gideon Naim, son of Israeli Ambassador to Ethiopia and Rescue coordinator, Asher Naim as well as Nassau County Legislator, Mazi Melesa Pilip, who herself, was airlifted as a 10-year-old refugee in the airlift.


How special it was to have Legislator Pilip with us, as she announced her candidacy the very next day, for the Congressional seat vacated by George Santos. It is an opportunity like this, that the Metro Region can and does provide, free of charge, to those who are interested.


It is my pleasure to invite you to the following:


  • The FJMC Quad Region Retreat from June 7-9, 2024 at Camp Zeke in the Pocono Mountains. This gathering is a great place to relax and learn about FJMC programs, fundraising, leadership and other initiatives you can bring back to your clubs and communities. Cost is $400 PP, double occupancy with all meals included. Our Region is offering a $250 stipend for all those wishing to attend. Further details to follow!


  • FJMC National Shabbaton in Chicago, May 16-19, 2024. Info and Registration coming soon!


  • Be on the lookout for an upcoming Regional Texas Hold’em tournament and a NY Islanders vs. NJ Devils game at UBS Arena.


  • World Wide Wrap 2024 is Sunday, February 11, 2024! The theme for WWW24 is "Wrap For Israel!" Club Registration is now open!


  • Be a part of the Build-A-Pair Program! Order your kits now! Your children will learn about Tefillin, Mitzvot and Traditions!


Our NYM Region has a long history of fostering camaraderie and friendships on a regional and international level. The region supports the local Men’s Club synagogues with training, programming, succession planning, and more. There are many local and international non-profit organizations which benefit from the funds raised by regional programs and events. I look forward to greeting you personally at one of our many functions.


Please contact me at szlerner@optonline.net or 516-840-5464 with any comments, suggestions or requests, to come down and speak with your club. If you are unaffiliated, I am happy to match you with a group in your geographic area.


Happy 2024! Wonderful things are happening; we hope you join us.


In Friendship,

Shea Z. Lerner

New York Metropolitan Region President

 

Save The Date!

FJMC Quad Retreat

 

SAVE THE DATE: June 7-9, 2024

Registration Opens Soon!


Please Join us at our Quad Region Retreat as we Celebrate our Brotherhood with the Hudson Valley, Northern New Jersey

and Middle Atlantic Regions!


Camp Zeke 31 Barry Watson Way, Lakewood, PA 18439


Cost to Attend: $400 pp., Dbl. Occ.

Stipends Awarded by NYM Region: $250 pp.

Total Out of Pocket Cost: ONLY $150


Open to all NY Metro affiliated and paid club members!


For more information: JAY STEINMETZ

Cell: 516-435-5278 or JaySteinmetz56@gmail.com

 

Advertise in GESHER

 

Reaching over 25,000 Families

New York Metro Region Newsletter


We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.


For further information and rates, email Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

 

Around The Region

 

Dix Hills JC

555 Vanderbilt Pkwy

Dix Hills, NY 11746 

www.dhjc.org

Phone: (631) 499-6644


Morning Mitzvah Project

Sunday, January 21 at 10am ET

RSVP: socialaction@dhjc.org

 

Dix Hills JC

555 Vanderbilt Pkwy

Dix Hills, NY 11746 

www.dhjc.org

Phone: (631) 499-6644


An Evening of Fun & Games

to Support the DHJC

Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 8pm

 

Plainview JC

95 Floral Drive West

Plainview, NY 11803 

www.plainviewjewishcenter.org

Phone: (516) 938-8610


Plainview JC Men's Club Islanders Night

Sunday, March 24, 2024 at 5pm ET


Paypal: pjcmensclub@gmail.com

(remember to send to family and friends)

Zelle: emailstuh@gmail.com

Check or cash to PJC Men's Club

 

Melville Jewish Center

2600 New York Avenue

Melville, NY 11747

www.melvillejc.org

Phone: 631-421-3224


New York Knick John Starks at Melville JC

Sunday, January 21, 2024

10am - 12pm

RSVP: mensclub@melvillejc.org

 

North Shore Synagogue

83 Muttontown Eastwoods Road

Syosset, NY 11791

www.northshoresynagogue.org

Phone: (516) 921-2282


Cantor Steven Hevenstone's

Installation & Cantorial Concert

Saturday, January 27, 2024

RSVP here!

 

Congregation Beth Tikvah

3170 Woodbine Avenue

Wantagh, NY 11793-3099

www.congbt.org

Phone: (516) 785-2445


Card Games on Thursdays from noon to 4pm

 

Park Avenue Synagogue

50 E 87th Street

New York, NY 10128

www.pasyn.org

Phone: (212) 369-2600

MLK DAY OF SERVICE VOLUNTEERING 


Monday, January 15, 2024

at 11:00 am

Washington Heights Y

729 West 181st Street 


Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a volunteer project dedicated to supporting asylum seekers, migrants, and socially isolated individuals in the Washington Heights community.


To register, please email Liam Faigen: faigenli@ujafedny.org


This event is in partnership with the UJA@PAS and Tikkun Olam committees. 

 

Park Avenue Synagogue

50 E 87th Street

New York, NY 10128

www.pasyn.org

Phone: (212) 369-2600

LEIMAN MAISEL FAMILY SHABBATON

Friday - Saturday, January 26-27, 2024


This year’s Shabbaton will focus on the situation in Israel, as we respond to the latest updates and developments. Featuring guest scholar Matti Friedman, an Israeli journalist and author, the Shabbaton will include a community Shabbat dinner, programs throughout the weekend with our guest scholar, a musical community havdalah, and more.


REGISTER NOW for Community Dinner with Matti Friedman, Friday Jan 26 at 7:30 pm.

 

Temple Israel of Great Neck

108 Old Mill Road

Great Neck, NY 11023

www.tign.org

Phone: (516) 482-7800

Waxman Youth House Midnight Run

Sunday, January 14, 2024

at 7pm


On our annual Midnight Run, our teens have conversations and meaningful interactions with homeless folks in NYC. We also offer food, coffee, clothing, and toiletries. 


Click here for further info and to sign up.

 

Midway Jewish Center

330 S. Oyster Bay Road

Syosset, NY 11791

www.mjc.org

Phone: (516) 938-8390


100 Days in Captivity

Run For Their Lives

Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 10am ET

 

Forest Hills JC

106-06 Queens Blvd

Forest Hills, NY 11375

www.fhjc.org

Phone: (718) 263-7000

Forest Hills JC presents:

Six13 Acapella

Sunday, February 4, 2024

4PM - 5:30PM


Join us for a fun concert for all ages and backgrounds to enjoy Six13 A Capella at The Forest Hills Jewish Center. It's going to be a fantastic gathering filled with fun, music, and community spirit. Don't miss out on this special event.


Tickets: $30/Adult. $20/Child 13 and under.

RSVP and purchase your tickets here!

 

Congregation L'Dor V'Dor

49-10 Little Neck Pkwy

Little Neck, NY 11362

www.olnjc.org

Phone: (718) 224-0404


Shabbat Across America

Friday, March 1, 2024


RSVP here!

 

Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst

46 Locust Avenue

Cedarhurst, NY 11516

www.templebethelofcedarhurst.org

Phone: (516) 569-2700


Invites you to a presentation on Zoom

Better Sleep For Better Health


Sunday, January 21, 2024 at 11am


Collaborative Program with 8 Partners

Lead: Milton Lipitz, President, Men's Club

Temple Beth El of Cedarhurst

 

Remembering Jason J. Eidlitz

May his memory be for a blessing

 

Jason J. Eidlitz, z"l, Hudson Valley Region Past Regional President passed away on December 31, 2023.


Jason was Past President, Congregation Sons of Israel Men's Club, Briarcliff Manor, NY.


You may share a favorite memory of Jason Eidlitz or leave a message of comfort for his family and loved ones here. 


We extend our sincerest condolences to Diane and the Eidlitz Family and pray that they may be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. 


"May his memory be for a blessing."

 

Attention All Men's Club

Submit Your Man/Youth of the Year Honorees

 

Please submit your Man of the Year

and Youth of the Year Honorees with

Stuart Haimes emailsstuh@gmail.com


Please include:

  • Honoree Name
  • Synagogue/Kehillah
  • Headshot
  • Bio


The deadline for submissions is January 31, 2024.

Join us in June 2024


The New York Metropolitan Region Honors 

Les Agisim

New York Metro Regional Man

of the Year 2024

 

JDAIM

Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month

 

JDAIM mission statement:

 

“Unite Jewish Communities worldwide to raise awareness and champion the rights of all Jews to be accepted and included in all aspects of Jewish life like everyone else.”

 

“Do not separate yourself

from the community”.

Pirkei Avot 25

 

Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month (JDAIM) is an annual observance held in February to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Jewish people with disabilities and to promote their full inclusion in Jewish communities. The month was first established in 2009 by the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) and has since been adopted by Jewish communities around the world.


During JDAIM, Jewish communities host a variety of events and programs to educate people about disability awareness and inclusion, and to celebrate the contributions of Jewish people with disabilities. These events may include workshops, lectures, panel discussions, art exhibits, and social gatherings. JDAIM is also a time for Jewish organizations to reflect on their own practices and policies to ensure that they are inclusive of people with disabilities.


JDAIM is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by Jewish people with disabilities and to promote their full inclusion in Jewish communities. By working together, we can create a more welcoming and inclusive world for all Jews.


Click here to find out what you can do to help make a difference!

 

Men's Health

 

Your Monthly Guide to Making 2024 the Healthiest Year Ever


(Men's Health) Sweeping New Year's resolutions are famously made and broken—unless you have these strategies. Here’s the difference: This year, instead of sweeping changes, you get to divide and conquer with an actually doable, month-by-month plan to improve every part of your life. But first, we reveal the guiding principles of real change, from the people who know. Discover what you need to make this year top the charts.


Click here to read the 7-Step Process for Making Change Happen.

 

Bring Them Home Now

100 Days in Captivity Demonstration

 

Rally: 100 Days in Captivity

Friday, January 12, 2024 at 9am ET

United Nations, 47th Street & First Avenue


Marking the 100th day that the Israeli hostages have been held in captivity, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum of New York will be leading a large rally in front of the United Nations building.


The demonstration will include speeches from hostages’ family members, who have flown in from Israel to participate. In solidarity with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum in Israel, the rally will feature a large “The Time is Running Out” hourglass, similar to the one placed in Habima Square in Tel Aviv.


Join the rally and continue reminding the world of the 129 still held in Gaza.


The Forum is volunteer-based and laser-focused on bringing the hostages back home to their families. The Forum offers families holistic medical and emotional support as well as professional assistance and advances the ongoing efforts locally, regionally, and globally, to bring the hostages and the missing back home.

 

USCJ Seeking Meaning Together

#Shabbat Of Love

 

We know our people are feeling pain, heartache, and fear. Now is the time to feel the joy of being Jewish and feel loved and embraced for who you are.


We are spreading love the Jewish way by launching a #ShabbatofLove for our community on Friday, January 19 2024.  


Join us as we set the table for the largest Shabbat dinner celebration in North American history. We welcome Jews of all ages, backgrounds, and identities to come together with your family, friends, and neighbors, to experience the sacred joy of Shabbat.

Learn more and register!
 

Around the World

 

Jewish high schoolers in the New York area and beyond have grappled with reports of rising antisemitism since Hamas’ invasion of Israel on Oct. 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza. (Getty Images)

Girls basketball coach fired at NY high school where players shouted antisemitic slurs at Jewish opponents


(New York Jewish Week) — A public high school in New York has fired its varsity girl’s basketball coach after players on its team uttered antisemitic slurs during a game against a Jewish day school. A student has also been dismissed from the team at Roosevelt High School in Yonkers following the incident during a game against the Leffell School, a Jewish school in nearby Hartsdale, on Thursday, January 4th.

 

Click here to read the article!

 

French Minister of National Education and Youth Gabriel Attal talks to media prior an education and youth Ministers Council meeting in the Europa building in Brussels, Nov. 23, 2023. (Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)

Gabriel Attal, France’s new prime minister, says his Jewish ancestry has shaped him


(JTA) — France’s newest Prime Minister is getting attention for the two firsts he brings to the job: Gabriel Attal, at 34, is the country’s youngest ever prime minister, and its first to be openly gay. He says another facet of his identity also shapes him: His late father’s Jewishness.


Click here to read the article!

 

J. Smith-Cameron at the 81st Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Jan. 7, 2024 in Beverly Hills, California. (Gilbert Flores/Golden Globes 2024/Golden Globes 2024 via Getty Images)

Why some Golden Globes attendees wore yellow ribbon pins at the 2024 awards ceremony


(JTA) — One of the movies up for best picture at the 2024 Golden Globes awards is about the Holocaust. One of the most notable displays during the ceremony alludes to a current attack on Jews. In the lead-up to the awards ceremony Sunday night, advocates for Israeli hostages in Gaza worked to supply attendees with yellow ribbon pins to affix to their red-carpet garb. Terror groups in Gaza are still holding approximately 136 hostages, who were kidnapped when Hamas invaded Israel on Oct. 7, sparking the ongoing war.


Click here to read the article!

 

World Wide Wrap 2024

 

WWW2024 will soon be here!

Sunday, February 11, 2024!

Club Registration is now open!


Hoping the WORLD WIDE WRAP will be in-person for many of you. Of course, it can be done virtually if needed, and whether virtual or in person, you need to register!


Please visit www.fjmc.org/wrap for registration and programming ideas!


Register on the website! Be one of the top 50 and register now!

 

Build-A-Pair

 

Be a part of Build-A-Pair Program!


Order your kits now!


Your children will learn about Tefillin, Mitzvot, and Traditions!

 

Sports

 

Harrison Bader bats during the American League Championship Series between the New York Yankees and the Houston Astros, Oct. 20, 2022. (Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

Jewish outfielder Harrison Bader signs with the New York Mets


(New York Jewish Week) — Jewish outfielder Harrison Bader is headed back to New York, this time as a member of the New York Mets. The 29-year-old Bronxville native agreed to a one-year, $10.5 million contract with the Mets Thursday, becoming the team’s first Jewish player since Kevin Pillar and Robert Stock donned the blue and orange in 2021, according to data compiled by the Jewish Baseball News site.


Click here to read the article!

 

Jewish Arts & Culture

 

Anthony Hopkins as Nicholas Winton in "One Life". (Peter Mountain/See Saw Films)

The real story behind ‘One Life,’ the movie starring Anthony Hopkins as Nicholas Winton, who rescued Jewish children from the Nazis


(JTA) — In a 1988 episode of the British television show “That’s Life,” British stockbroker Nicholas Winton was invited to sit in the audience as host Esther Rantzen dramatically revealed to him that the entire crowd was composed of the Jewish children — now adults — he had saved during the Holocaust.


Click here to read the article!

 

Alanis Morissette shown on PBS' celebrity genealogy series "Finding Your Roots." (Screenshot from YouTube)

Rock star Alanis Morissette uncovers her family’s Holocaust history on PBS’ ‘Finding Your Roots’


(JTA) — Seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette explores her family’s Jewish past, which she said was kept a secret from her for most of her life, on Tuesday night’s season premiere of the PBS celebrity genealogy series “Finding Your Roots.”


Click here to read the article!

 

New York Nosh

 

The Times Square outpost of Eyal Shani's fast-casual restaurant, Miznon, is becoming certified kosher. (Ben Sales)

Eyal Shani’s fast-casual Times Square restaurant is going kosher


(New York Jewish Week) — The Times Square location of Miznon, the fast-casual restaurant chain from Israeli celebrity chef Eyal Shani, is going kosher. The pita-focused eatery, which is located at 1410 Broadway at 39th Street, opened two and a half months ago and is one of Shani’s four Miznon restaurants in Manhattan. It has been serving a kosher-style menu nearly since the start, according to Mika Ziv, CEO of Good People Group, Shani’s global hospitality brand — this location has no dairy products on the menu and the meat they serve is certified Glatt Kosher.


Click here to read the article!

 

Advertise in GESHER

 

Reaching over 25,000 Families

New York Metro Region Newsletter


We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.


We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.


  • Control Circulation of over 25,000
  • Covers entire NY Metro Region Area - LI & NYC
  • 26X Issues
  • Very Competitive Rates


For further information and rates, email Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org

 

Affinity Groups & Webinars

FJMC Affinity Groups & Webinars are open to all.

 

FJMC Webinar/Keynote Series

Israel On My Mind: "Life in the Middle East Has Changed" with Stan Greenspan

Monday, January 22, 2024

at 9pm ET

Stan Greenspan will look at the changes in the Middle East since Oct 7 and what may have brought on the attacks.

Hosted by Karl Rubin, Chair, Israel On My Mind

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Yiddish Lite!

Beginner's Yiddish Group

Alternate Tuesday Evenings

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

at 8pm ET

Hosted by Al Davis

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Sports Affinity!

with Jeff Agrest

Tuesday, January 17, 2024

8pm ET

Affinity Group Leaders:

David Kravitz and Danny Mandeau

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Yiddish Alive!

Advanced Yiddish Group

Monday, January 22, 2024

at 8pm ET

Hosted by Jeffrey Newton, Joe Rotstein,

Esther Scheer and Barry Wagner

Click here to register!

 

Join us for Shomrei Ha'Aretz

& Financial Insights Joint Webinar

Monday, January 29, 2024

at 8pm ET

Hosted by Scott Kadish, Richard Gray

and Gary Smith

Click here to register!

 

Join us Torah Talks

Thursday, February 1, 2024

at 7:30pm ET

With Norm Kurtz and Benny Sommerfeld

Click here to register!

 
Donate: Become a Friend of the FJMC!

FJMC is the choice of Jewish Men!

Be a part of tomorrow’s future...TODAY!


FJMC has been a progressive, vocal leader in the Jewish world for many years and we want to keep it as a reliable voice for years to come. 


"FJMC has taught me leadership skills that I've been able to use in my job, relationship skills I use in my family, and organizational skills that I use in every part of my life."

- a current donor


Our donors are united in our desire to support FJMC on an ongoing, monthly basis.


We ask for a small gift each month to help us provide training for our Club and Regional Leadership, to continue our outreach to all Jewish men and our great programs. Your unwavering support makes a tremendous difference.


Without the FJMC, valuable Jewish programming might never occur. FJMC needs your financial support.

 

We invite you to

check out our

new NY Metro website

www.newyorkmetrofjmc.org


Reminder: If your New York FJMC Men's Club would like an event published in the newsletter or on our website, please email it to Lisa Pollack at assistant@fjmc.org


New York Metro Region Newsletter edited by Lisa Pollack.

 

Reaching over 25,000 Families

New York Metro Region Newsletter


We are now accepting ads beginning January 2024.

 

www.newyorkmetrofjmc.org

newyorkmetroregionfjmc@gmail.com

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